People / My Bristol Favourites
Steve LeFevre and Laura Rawlings
Steve LeFevre and Laura Rawlings are the dual presenters of the all-new BBC Radio Bristol breakfast show, which starts on Monday, September 1.
St Mary Redcliffe Church
Steve: “I’m not religious, but I love old and historic buildings and am drawn like a magnet to churches and cathedrals. Something created awe in the hundreds of people who spent many years creating these temples, and they don’t come much finer than this Gothic masterpiece. It’s an island of peace, and dominates the landscape like the Notre Dame of Bristol. The architecture is stunning and the church reeks of the famous history and people of the city, the Chattertons, Canynges and of course Cabots. I’m excited by the idea of landscaping much of Redcliffe Way into a pedestrian boulevard between the harbourside and Temple Meads with a square, which would give this famous old building much more of a glittering role in the crown jewels of Bristol. Beside it, the Quakers burial ground park is a hidden gem.”
The Bristol music scene
Laura: “This might be bending the rules a touch but my list of favourites wouldn’t be complete without Bristol’s music scene. It’s why so many bands are currently drawn to play here – and you can hear some of them on BBC Radio Bristol. I’ve been blown away by Nicole Atkins at the Louisiana, danced to Bristol bands at the Cube, soaked up the incredible acoustics of The Mountain Goats at St George’s, smiled all night to Goldfrapp at Colston Hall, sat in the dark to Bach at Bristol Proms and and been at the front for Caitlin Rose at The Fleece. Record shops such as Rise are an integral part of the scene – along with all the brilliant festivals and outdoor parties. I could literally fill my five favourites with music!”
The Old City
Steve: “Much of Bristol is hiding under the proverbial bushel, thanks to World War Two bombs and 60s and 70s ‘architecture’. Dig it out and it’s stunning. I love wandering around the Old City. The redevelopment of the Nelson Street area, where hideous concrete monstrosities dwarf and obscure the old walled part of town is gradually revealing much more of what the city has to offer. Same with St Mary-le-Port tower on the edge of Castle Park. A walk up Corn Street and into St Nicks Market takes me to the best meatballs and rice (with garlic bread and salad) and a mug of steaming tea that £4 can buy! The atmosphere is cracking and sets me up for perfectly for the Saturday afternoon footy.”
Bristol’s libraries
Laura: “I’m often kept up past bedtime thanks to a story I have to finish. I love reading and have done since I was knee-high and used to lie on the library carpet pouring over pictures and spelling out words. The opportunity to get almost any book I fancy from my local library is brilliant. I did a whole series of radio shows from Bristol libraries and wow – what a glorious mix of spaces, services and people to talk to. From the distinguished building that houses Central Library to the airy, modern, bright building at Emersons Green, these are places where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together. Something to be proud of.”
The Floating Harbour
Steve: “I love cities evolving. Alongside historic Bristol, it’s great to see the big glass-fronted offices dominating that part of the waterfront. They are the bonded warehouses of the 21st century a sign of a pride and success. A boat trip from the ss Great Britain to Temple Meads is a staggering journey through time, as you gaze at the buildings charting the history of this great city.”
Laura: “I often stop at Brunel’s Buttery for a mug of tea and a crispy bacon and egg butty. I usually see someone I know and we end up having a chat. It’s fascinating to walk through Underfall Yard, seeing the crew working on the boats and ticking off some of Bristol’s finest en route – Aardman Animations, Spike Island, the Pump House. It’s a gorgeous, relaxing, happy way to spend a sunny day.”